Chapter twenty-five

A visit from some friends

Things were going quite well for Chet and the six-week period was almost up and there were no signs of a reaction of any kind. He was really tolerating the oral medication and accepted the fact that he would have to take this medication for the rest of his life. He had also filled out the preliminary paperwork for a Med-Alert identification necklace in case of accidents or emergencies, especially in his line of work.

His physical therapy was going swimmingly. Even Dr. Johnson, the physiatrist, felt he was making great strides and probably would be able to return to active duty.

He would have some limitations with his arms from the burns, but these would be minor and would not interfere with Chet being able to handle the hoses.

One of the main obstacles that Chet was learning to get used to was the one of decreased sensation. Due to the extensiveness of the burns, he was unable to distinguish hot and cold as well as before. But these were very minor annoyances and Chet knew these would not hamper him in his job in any way.

Valentine's Day was coming and he felt bad that he couldn't do anything special for Jeanette. He had wanted their first one as husband and wife to be very special, not like this.

He had discussed with Roy who understood and had suggested he let Roy buy the flowers and whatever else Chet wanted.

"That's a great idea, Roy. Thanks. Over in the drawer there I have some money. Take whatever you think you'll need. Please buy Jeanette a bouquet of roses and balloons as well as a heart filled with Hershey Kisses. That is her very favorite candy. And please try to get a blue heart shaped box, her favorite color. Would you pick a little something up for Tim too?"

"Sure, are you sure you want a blue heart? What do you have in mind for Timmy?"

"Yeah, I'm positive. Blue is her very favorite color. In fact the baby's room colors are pink and blue and our bedroom is a sky blue.

"For Timmy, I don't really know, but something a little boy would like, ok?

"Thanks so much, Roy. You don't know how much I really appreciate this and I bet Jeanette will be really surprised. She will never be expecting anything from me this year."

"No problem, my friend. I can't have a newlywed getting into a fight because he had nothing for his wife on Valentine's Day, now can I? Us married guys gotta stick together. Remember, women go for this more than we do.

"I'll gladly get the stuff for you. I know Timmy will get a kick out of this too. Now, let me run and go do these errands. I was on my way to get Joanne's gift when I stopped by to visit you. Figured you could use the help. I'll see you later ok?"

"Yeah, thanks again, buddy."

Roy left and Chet sat there looking out the window, thinking of how grateful he was Roy decided to visit him and make the suggestion. Roy had to be one of the most thoughtful guys in the world.

As he was sitting there looking out the window his door opened and he heard, "Hey, Chet? Chet Kelly?"

Turning around he saw two people who looked vaguely familiar, but he couldn't figure out where from.

The two walked into his room smiling.

"Bet you don't know who the hell we are, huh?" The female said.

"Y..you look familiar, but no I can't place you. Are you in the department?"

Laughing, Carla O'Neill introduced first herself and then Skip Olson to Chet.

"You probably don't remember us, but we were there to help Ming at the fire in the Faneuil Hall Marketplace in Boston when you got burned.

"I can see you have really come a long way. Ming will be glad to hear you are doing so well. We are here on a Paramedic seminar and just finished talking to Roy DeSoto who filled us in.

"Ming couldn't come as the twins both have bad colds and he stayed home to help Julie care for them.

"But he did ask us to wish you the best and say hi.

"We can't stay too long as we have meetings to get to, but we just wanted to stop in to say hi and to invite you and your family back to Boston. When you do come, feel free to visit the station and we'll give you a tour. We visited 51s and got a great tour. It's something-the similarities are amazing, but there are some differences for sure."

"I can imagine. Thanks for the good wishes and all. Tell Ming and Julie and everyone I am really very grateful for the wonderful care you guys gave me, both in the field and the hospital.

Paramedics are really Angels in uniform believe me. I don't think I could ever do what you guys do. Thanks again. I don't think I will ever be able to repay you people for what you've done for me. " And he laughed a little, "You know it's so typical Chet Kelly. Now I have been cared for by the best paramedics on the East and the West Coast. Now all I gotta do is go to the Midwest, Alaska and Hawaii and I'll have the whole country covered. But I don't think my wife would appreciate that and I don't think this ol' body could handle it."

Every one laughed at Chet's joke, and Skip said, "Seriously Chet, thanks for the kind words. BUT stay safe now."

Chet smiled at Skip, answering, "Believe me, Skip, I intend to. Especially now that I have a beautiful wife, terrific son and a new little one on the way to live for. They have truly given my life a purpose it never had before. Do you understand what I mean?"

Both paramedics nodded affirmatively, especially since both had families of their own in Boston waiting for them.

After visiting a few more minutes, Skip and Carla left for a meeting, promising to stop by again if they had the chance.

About half an hour later, Roy returned with a lovely bouquet of red and white roses and four heart shaped balloons. He had a beautiful blue heart shaped box filled with Hershey's Kisses. For Timmy, he had an adorable teddy bear dressed like a fireman and a box of conversation hearts.

"WOW! Roy, they're gorgeous! Thanks. Did you have enough money for all that? Do I owe you anything?"

"No, Chet don't worry about it. I just hope Jeanette likes this stuff. I liked your idea and got the same flowers for Joanne. Roses are Joanne's very favorite flower."

"Well, actually daisies are Jeanette's, but I wanted to do something special for her. Thanks again.

"Did you see Carla O'Neil and Skip Olson from Boston here? They said they are at a paramedics seminar. Did you and Johnny attend it, too?"

"Oh, yeah, but Johnny went today and I am going tomorrow. We both were 'volunteered' to do a presentation. I have to do one about how we respond during earthquakes and Johnny had to do one on what LA does for fire prevention week. "

Looking at his watch, he realized Johnny was just getting started. "In fact, I should be getting there-John is just about to start."